Postproduction training scheme announced by Skillset

Skillset has announced the launch of First Post, a new structured entry scheme for broadcast postproduction juniors.
A joint initiative by PPTI, Skillset, ChEFF and UK Post, First Post is supported by IVCA, BKSTS and APRS. Initially 20 to 25 trainees will take part, benefiting from modular training covering customer management and commercial knowledge as well as technical skills. The scheme will receive its funding from the London Development Agency and starts in October.
Charles Leonard, Managing Director of NATS and UK Post board member, said: "This is a groundbreaking project. Structured new entrant schemes have existed in production for many years but never in post. Getting it off the ground has been a collective effort and it will provide a collective benefit. As well as launching the careers of the trainees involved and benefiting the selected companies they will be working for, First Post will act as a blueprint for other businesses to follow in their training and development approach."
Rowan Bray, General Manager of DGP Ltd and PPTI committee member, said: "The PPTI has worked with Skillset and other bodies to try and adjust the imbalance of funding in the sector and ensure that post-production is supported. The high standards of specialist training demanded by the industry have helped to establish London as the pre-eminent world centre for post-production. But as systems change we have to invest increasing funds to support our talent to ensure we retain that position. This initiative will go a long way to meeting that funding need."
Kate O'Connor, Deputy Chief Executive of Skillset, added: "Overall the current entry system is haphazard and the training ad hoc. First Post is an industry led scheme to address that, providing the sector with skilled trainees who have received a structured grounding in how the postproduction business works. And it won't just be about technical expertise. There will be modules on client services and business awareness so that trainees are all rounders, which is exactly what's needed."
Neil Hatton, Managing Director of Frontier Post, PPTI committee member and UK Post board member, concluded: Post-production companies will be intrinsically involved in deciding the content of the course, so the trainees will receive precisely the right blend of skills to benefit both themselves and their companies."
(GB)